EDUTAINMENT AT CAROWINDS:

THE ‘BEST DAY EVER!’

08/24/2015 |

CAROLINAS EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL

After a day at Carowinds, students have been overheard saying, “That was the BEST DAY EVER!” and “I didn’t know roller coasters work like THAT!” and “Did you see me up there on stage? I was AWESOME!” Some students are just speechless – completely worn out from a fabulous day of learning and fun.

Carowinds, in Charlotte, is an expert at “edutainment” – the art of mixing experiential learning with an absolute blast. The park combines its expertise for fun with the know-how of leading education and industry specialists to make lessons zoom off the page — sometimes literally.

The spring and summer are teeming with special event days geared toward education and leadership, music and performance, and just pure celebration.

With rides that go up, down and every-which-way, Carowinds is a perfect venue for understanding the basics of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
At Education Days, students experience hands-on lessons that link directly to physics of the rides.

For students wanting to take their knowledge of physics to a whole new level, Engineering Day allows them to learn how roller coasters work. Irvine Ondrey, the engineer in charge of the thrills at Carowinds, will explain and demonstrate the electrical systems behind running the rides.

Speaking of roller coasters, how can you market experiences that will certainly make consumers tremble with fear and scream at the top of their lungs? It’s possible when you have an expert marketing team at the helm. Marketing Day includes a seminar by Carowinds’ advertising agency of record, who will discuss the park’s social media advertising campaign. Additionally, the Carowinds marketing department will dish on day-to-day duties.

Student leaders will be get fired up at the park’s Youth Leadership Day. Facilitated by Leading to Change!, a national youth training team, the event enhances students’ leadership, public speaking, communication and decision-making skills.

Performance opportunities for students include the Festival of Music, providing middle and high school bands, orchestras, and choral groups a memorable experience. Directors and their ensembles can showcase their skills and be critiqued by nationally known adjudicators.

Another performance opportunity, the JROTC Cadet Corp Competition, allows Cadet Corps and their directors to display their skills and be evaluated, judged and critiqued by nationally known military drill instructors.

High school seniors wanting to celebrate the end of school can attend GradFest, a SENIOR-sized bash in a safe and secure environment. Friends will make lifelong memories at live concerts, dance parties, street entertainment and more.

In addition to themed learning and celebration experiences, Carowinds offers pure family fun. Fury 325, the world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster, delivers unparalleled thrills and chills. Plus, as Carowinds is where the Carolinas come together, guests will be steeped in Carolina culture – from gracious hospitality to authentic Southern fare. Combine all this with over 15 other thrill rides, Planet Snoopy children’s area, a 55-acre on-site campground, and much more, and everyone – students and adults alike -- is set for the best day ever. Visit carowinds.com for the latest information on the new 2016 expansion.